Wildcats Ride

In August 2019, a pilot bike path running east-west along the north side of Big Chico Creek, connecting to City bike paths on either end, was opened.  The Geography 436 Transportation Planning course studied the path in fall 2019 and made recommendations for improvement.  In December 2020, funding was awarded as part of the President's Strategic Plan(opens in new window) to make the path permanent.  Permanent improvements will include repaving, green paint, and signage and markings along the length.  Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2021 with anticipated completion by August 2021.  

Campus and community members should note that bikes, skateboards, and scooters are only permitted to be ridden along the designated path.  If not on the path, bikes, boards, and scooters should be walked until it is safe to ride.  

• The Do's and Don'ts of Riding on Campus

  Do

  • Remember pedestrians have the right of way
  • Follow lane markings, use hand signals, and announce passing
  • Ride with traffic, not against
  • Be courteous 
  • Make yourself visible
  • Be predictable
  • Use lights at night (it’s the law!) 
  • Be alert 

  Don't

  • Ride with both headphones in
  • Tow anything behind your bicycle
  • Assume that pedestrians or vehicles see you
  • Ride on sidewalks 

  Watch this video on how to share trails and paths(opens in new window)

• Recommended gear

  

   Watch these videos on what to wear(opens in new window) and how to size a helmet(opens in new window)

• Riding with Traffic
  • ALWAYS ride with traffic and not against it
  • Make eye contact with drivers
  • Be predictable
  • Sharing the road:
    • Cyclists should ride far enough away from parked vehicles to avoid being hit by an opening door
    • Use bicycle lanes

  Watch this short video on riding with traffic(opens in new window)

• Check your Quick ABC's

  

  Quick:

  • Make sure your quick releases are closed and pointing to the back so that they don’t get caught on anything  

  Air

  • Inflate tires to the pressure listed on the side of the tire using pressure gauge
  • Check for damage on tread and replace if damaged

  Brakes

  • Inspect pads for wear; replace if less than ¼" of pad is left
  • Make sure pads do not rub the tire or rim 
  • Make sure you can fit your thumb between the brake lever and handlebar when the brakes are squeezed all the way

  Chain

  • Tighten your chain if loose
  • Clear your chain of dirt, rust, and gunk
  • Lube your chain for a smooth ride

  Watch this short video on how to check your ABCs(opens in new window)

• Safety Hand Signals

  

  Watch this short video on how to properly signal while riding a bike(opens in new window)

• Anatomy of a bike

  

  Watch this short vide on how to adjust your bike to fit you(opens in new window) and how to choose a bike(opens in new window)

• Skateboard safety and courtesy

  In 2017, over 98,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injury while skateboarding- be aware, take caution, and avoid injury.  Kepp your skateboard in good condition and give it a safety check before riding.  

  Skateboard safety issues that should be fixed:

  • Loose, broken, or cracked parts
  • Sharp edges on metal boards
  • Slippery deck surface
  • Wheels with nicks and cracks

  Boarding courtesy:

  • Be courteous of others using the same area and avoid skateboarding in crowded walkways or darkness
  • Skate on the right side and pass on the left
  • Keep one headphone out when riding
  • Never hitch a tow ride from a car or bike